Showing 15 results for Bioethics
Kiarash Aramesh,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (5-2011)
Abstract
Throughout history, various religions and schools of philosophy have viewed human dignity as an important issue and a topic of discussion. The theoretical roots of this concept lies in ancient philosophies and religions, in Medieval as well as Modern periods, the most significant of which may be the Cyrus Cylinder, Stoicism, teachings of philosophers of the Renaissance period and of thinkers such as Immanuel Kant and John Locke, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Abrahamic religions. Human dignity is infallibly referred to as being intrinsic and inviolable, and although there is no one comprehensive, inclusive and universally accepted definition for the term, it is fundamentally the characteristic that lies at the core of the basic rights of humans. In biomedical ethics there are two different dimensions to human dignity: the dignity of the individual and the dignity of humanity as such, and while the former is considered to be absolute, the latter is relative, as it is realized simply by belonging to the human race. Human dignity applies to all the principles of biomedical ethics, and sets the standards for all manners of reasoning and inference in this field. In areas such as research ethics, ethics of beginning of life and end of life care, and public health ethics, human dignity has clear requirements and implications, for instance regarding issues such as unethical uses of the embryo, fetus, and the human body for commercial purposes, the right to live and die with dignity near the end of life, and the right to basic indiscriminate health care.
Mohammad Mehdi Akhondi, Alireza Milanifar, Zohre Behjati Ardakani, Mohammad Taghi Karrobi,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (3-2012)
Abstract
The astonishing advances in medical sciences, owing to research in recent decades, have brought about endless advantages for humans, including improved level of health, prevention of communicable disease, and curative treatments. This trend, despite its great benefits, may undermine the principle of respect for human vulnerability and personal integrity, and expose certain risks to target populations or those excluded from investigations. Therefore, the principle of respect for human vulnerability and personal integrity has received attention by policy makers, law makers, human rights activists, and international organizations. It is necessary to cite the important question that arises here is there any contradiction between international documents' demands such as the Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights and the legal actions of some countries on the principle and merits of Islamic teaching? If not, what type of activity should be undertaken by legislators in Islamic countries in general, and the Iranian Parliament in particular? An in-depth discussion of the issue reveals the fact that there is no contradiction between Islamic law and the principle of respect for human vulnerability and personal integrity. Therefore, there is room for the national legislative body to take legal actions in order to achieve the objectives of the principle of respect for human vulnerability and personal integrity in medical research and practice as articulated by international instruments such as the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights in particular.
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Volume 5, Issue 9 (3-2013)
Abstract
Najaf Allahyari Frad,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (4-2013)
Abstract
Biotechnology is a high technology that is bound to play an important role in the future world due to its wide range of applications in different parts of industry, agriculture, medicine, environment and so on. In our country special attention has been paid to biotechnology as a strategic technology. While the production and consumption of genetically modified organisms (GMO) products is witnessing an upsurge in the world on account of the value of cultivation and production, Iran does not have a noticeable share in this field.
Food and agriculture organization (FAO) has predicted that food preparation for the 9.1 billion world population in 2050 will require a 70 percent increase in food production throughout the world and a 100 percent increase in food production in developing countries. Report of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) indicates that biotechnology can be a key solution to the growing demand for food in the world. The development and operation of targeted biotechnology in compliance with all aspects of biosafety and bioethics will cause food production and productivity to increase. Naturally, this depends on culture making, production and commercialization of GMO products and changing the society’s consumption pattern.
Jurisprudential views of consumption of GMO products, however, will lead us to bioethics-related issues and proper use of such products. In this study the views of grand jurisprudents were pursued about various aspects of direct and indirect consumption of GMO products in the form of four questions. All of the grand jurisprudents permit consumption of GMO products, and some do so with reservations: that they do not entail losses in the present and future, and that product information be truthfully disclosed to customers. This paper reports the responses received, and discusses the bioethical aspects of the views of grand ayatollahs.
Saeedeh Saeedi Tehrani, Alireza Parsapour, Bagher Larijani,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (8-2016)
Abstract
Genetic research was initially limited to the screening and diagnosis of known hereditary diseases. After the completion of the Human Genome Project (HGP), studies became concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of many non-communicable diseases threatening the public health. Aside from this, genetic engineering, in its new form, is also concerned with the development of recombinant medications, genetic enhancement, and genetically modified organisms and their applications. The climax of these achievements is the advent of transgenic creatures. These are organisms with a genetic makeup different from their natural one created through biotechnology. Transgenic products have become more popular in recent years, especially in agriculture and livestock sectors. At the same time, genetics and biotechnology are trying to keep pace with modern advancements. Genetic modifications have resulted in larger yields in agriculture and livestock as well as the development of new medications and vaccines. Despite the large profits that genetic engineering and transgenic organisms can bring for us, they may pose dangers in certain fields. Furthermore, there are ethical concerns about the application of these technologies.
The present study attempted to address the ethical issues in new genetic technologies and analyze them with regard to the four principles of bioethics. For this purpose, keywords were first looked up in scientific sources and the data were classified; ethical considerations were then analyzed in the light of the four principles of bioethics.
In the results section first the merits of such products for humanity and their contributions to saving the limited available resources are pointed out; subsequently, potential threats in some fields are addressed, along with considerations about the mass production and consumption of genetically engineered products, autonomy of individuals, the importance of raising awareness about the pros and cons of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and their labeling. Finally, equity is addressed, and general benefits and harms, costs and effectiveness are discussed.
Ali Mohammadi ,
Volume 12, Issue 0 (3-2019)
Abstract
Scientific research as well as a lot of social and individual effects for human beings has caused many moral problems. The prospect of children building through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) or human cloning has caused widespread moral concerns around the world. Accordingly, various reports and regulations have been published at the national and international levels that address the ethical principles for research involving human subjects. In this regard, the Belmont report is of particular importance, in which three fundamental principles of human research have been taken into consideration. These three principles are: the principle of "Respect for Persons", the principle of "Beneficence" and the principle of "justice". In the field of this new biotechnology, namely, human cloning with respect to the use of human subjects in it and according to the ethical principles for research involving human subjects, there are three types of discussion: problems of Safety; a particular problem in the field of business Satisfaction and the problem of the exploitation of women. Considering that about 90% of cloning efforts in animals have been encountered with many problems such as abortion, early death, the development of certain diseases and physical defects, etc., it is not wise to use it in humans and it causes certain and unpredictable problems in cloned people.
Farzad Zakian Khoramabadi, Alireza Parsapour, Bagher Larijani, Amirhossein Takian, Ehsan Shamsi Gooshki,
Volume 16, Issue 0 (11-2023)
Abstract
The right to access health services as a part of fundamental human rights, affected by the conditions and facilities of governments and the international status, has always faced challenges. Despite the clarity of the general policies and upstream documents in the Iranian health system regarding the need to provide immigrants and refugees with health services and Iran’s membership in the relevant conventions, the implementation of the provisions of these documents is not consistent and complete for various reasons, including the inadequacy of laws related to immigrants and refugees and the incorrect implementation of some existing laws. The first draft of the ethical guidelines for providing health services to immigrants was prepared by the research team using the results of a review of relevant documents as well as a qualitative study and finalized according to the opinions of the participants in a panel of experts. In this draft, after explaining the values and ethical principles governing the provision of services to Afghan immigrants, the suggested guidelines and assignments were presented to the main stakeholders involved, including the policymakers and macro planners of the health system, institutions and centers providing health services, professionals and health service providers, professional organizations, civil society activists, media and non-governmental organizations, and medical research and education authorities and researchers.
Fatemeh Bahmani, Mahshad Noroozi, Narjes Kolahchi, Mostafa Ghanei,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Emerging biotechnologies contribute significantly to societal well-being by influencing social, economic, and health fields. Attitudes toward biotechnologies differ, in various situations and over time, based on new understanding and evidence. One issue always emphasized in the ethical evaluation of emerging technologies is their dangerous and problematic aspects for human life and well-being. Simultaneously, ethical assumptions can influence ethical decision-making toward employing these technologies, including liberty, technological optimism, determinism, the lifecycle, power, the form of life, technology neutrality, ambiguity, uncertainty, dual-use transformative potential, and the challenges that will be raised by them. For the ethical assessment of emerging technology, six principal methodologies are employed. The "principles-based approach" focuses on obtaining the intended goals rather than determining specific requirements, laws, standards, and obligations and avoids checklist design. The ethical principles raised by the principles-based approach are presented in this article, including risk-cost-benefit, adherence to individual rights, sustainability, naturalness, precautionary, trajectory, responsible stewardship, public beneficence, justice and fairness, democratic deliberation, and intellectual freedom.Finally, by presenting a conceptual model in applying the principles above in forming biotechnologies, eighteen operational recommendations are presented to facilitate the ethical evaluation and monitoring of emerging biotechnologies in the policy-making process in Iran.
Forouzan Akrami,
Volume 17, Issue 0 (12-2024)
Abstract
For many years, the question of whether or not to resuscitate periviable newborns has been a topic of debate among perinatologists, neonatologists, and ethicists. Unlike other studies that focus on the value and sanctity of human life during intrauterine development, the present study seeks to address the ethical question of what constitutes the right decision regarding life-support measures for newborns born at peri-viability ages, within the ethical norms of the Islamic tradition. This study assumes the inherent value of every moment of human life and acknowledges the human dignity of individuals from the time of conception. This multi-method study was conducted in three parts: (1) a review of the ethical frameworks presented for supporting the lives of periviable newborns, (2) an explanation of the principles of Islamic bioethics based on common Sunni and Shiite sources, and (3) the development of an Islamic bioethics framework. According to the ethical principles of the Islamic tradition—contrary to secular biomedical ethics—first and foremost, efforts should be made to preserve and prolong the life of periviable newborns regardless of their anticipated quality of life. Second, in decisions involving life and death, the priority is not the preferences of the infant's parents but rather the saving of the infant's life and its preservation by the physician and medical team. Nonetheless, parental participation in the decision-making process is essential. Preserving life, however, is not an absolute obligation; the aim of life-support measures is not merely to extend the infant's life for a short period but to do so in proportion to the prognosis and expected benefits. Specifically, these measures should be considered when there is a significant probability of the newborn’s survival. This requires a case-by-case assessment of risks, taking into account the newborn’s clinical condition, as well as regional resources and conditions. It is recommended to use the proposed Islamic bioethical framework to develop a clinical guideline that includes criteria for classifying infants born at the edge of viability based on their clinical condition. Ethical decisions to intervene should then be based on the infant's clinical state, probability of survival, and the resources available in the region.
Negin Farid, Nazanin Nazari, Narges Jafar Malek,
Volume 17, Issue 0 (12-2024)
Abstract
Narrative medicine has emerged as a transformative model in healthcare, emphasizing the role of patient stories in enhancing the quality of care. By recognizing the individuality of each patient's narrative—shaped by personal experiences and cultural contexts—this approach fosters deeper connections between caregivers and patients. Despite its growing recognition, narrative medicine remains underutilized in nursing, where the psychological and emotional dimensions of care are often overlooked. This systematic review examines clinical trials that investigate the integration of narrative practices into nursing education and care delivery, with the aim of assessing their clinical and educational impact. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across international and national databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SID, Noor, Magiran, Irandoc, and Google Scholar, using relevant English and Persian keywords. Eligible studies were clinical trials published in English or Persian. After removing duplicates and applying inclusion criteria, eight studies were included for analysis. Selection and data extraction were conducted independently by two researchers, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and ethical standards were maintained throughout. The studies, published between 2018 and 2024, involved nursing students (mean age 17.96–21.5 years), patients with lung tumors (mean age 49.31 years), and elderly patients (aged 61–89 years) with complex fractures. Findings were synthesized into three main domains. First, narrative-based education significantly enhanced empathy and academic performance among nursing students. Second, the implementation of narrative approaches led to measurable reductions in anxiety and depression among patients, particularly those with lung tumors. Third, improvements were observed in overall quality of life, pain management, and cognitive function, especially in elderly patients. These findings suggest that narrative education plays a critical role in improving both clinical and psychological outcomes. Narrative-based interventions enhance the empathetic capacity of nurses and contribute to higher standards of patient care. Incorporating narrative approaches into nursing curricula and clinical practice is recommended as a strategy to foster more holistic and human-centered care.
Farshid Mohammadmousaei, Zeinab Raiesifar, Seyed Ali Mousavi, Nastaran Khorsandi Bahar, Fatemeh Esmaelzadeh,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Maintaining patient privacy is a fundamental right of patients and an ethical duty of healthcare professionals. The present descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 to compare the perspectives of patients and staff in obstetrics and gynecology operating rooms in Mashhad, Iran, on the extent to which patient privacy was preserved. Patients were selected using random sampling in the operating rooms of hospitals affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected through a demographic information form and a standardized questionnaire to assess hospitalized patients’ privacy. Data were analyzed via SPSS-22, utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics, with a significance level of P<0.05. The mean ages of patients and staff participating in this study were 39.07±12.56 and 31.65±8.42 years, respectively. The mean score of preserving privacy from the patients' perspective was 38.92±22.41, whereas from the staff's perspective, it was 64.26±8.02, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.0001). The lowest scores in both groups for personal privacy were 4.97±8.77 for patients and 13.37±2.66 for staff. Results indicated that the staff perceived the level of preserving patient privacy to be above average, while patients considered it below average. Therefore, given the patients’ specific conditions, high stress levels, and physical and mental limitations to support themselves, it is essential to implement targeted training and take necessary measures to encourage the staff to pay more attention to patient privacy and raise patient awareness in this regard.
Mojtaba Parsa, Soudabeh Mehdizadeh,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Domestic violence and abuse against women, particularly intimate partner violence, is a widespread public health problem. Domestic violence is associated with a wide range of physical and mental health issues and negatively impacts the health and well-being of the affected individual. Women who experience violence need support to mitigate the negative impacts of these violent acts. In this regard, health institutions play a critical role in providing comprehensive healthcare to women affected by domestic violence. Physicians' encounters with women experiencing domestic violence, especially in countries like Iran, where there are no clear guidelines on this matter, lead to challenges and ethical issues. This study explored some of these ethical issues and challenges by presenting a case study.
Davood Rasouli, Elham Ramezanpour, Sohrab Nosrati, Akram Zhianifard, Zahra Nouri Khaneghah,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Professional ethics, as a critical aspect of medical ethics, holds significant importance in healthcare professions that directly involve human lives. Accordingly, this study aimed to compare adherence to professional ethics principles among operating room (OR) students and staff in selected teaching hospitals affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences during 2021–2022. This cross-sectional descriptive study included 200 OR staff from six hospitals (selected via stratified quota sampling) and 60 OR students (recruited via convenience sampling). Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and Kadushin’s Professional Ethics Questionnaire (2002) and analyzed in SPSS-24 using descriptive statistics (median and interquartile range) and inferential tests (Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests). Results indicated strong professional ethics in 98.4% of students and 75% of staff. Students scored significantly higher in loyalty and accountability (median score, P < 0.0001), while staff outperformed in honesty (median score, P = 0.003). No significant differences were observed in other dimensions. Overall, both groups demonstrated favorable professional ethics. These findings can guide educational interventions and developmental programs to further enhance professional ethics in these populations.
Zahra Dehghani, P Farhad Khormaei, Seyed Mehdi Poorseyed,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of character education on wisdom, academic hope, and prosocial behavior among university students. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a post-test and a control group. Participants included two groups of students from Shiraz University who were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in a twelve-session program focused on developing etiquette-based professional conduct, and at the end, both groups completed the questionnaires on wisdom, academic hope, and prosocial behavior. The validity and reliability of these instruments for use in Iranian culture have been found to be satisfactory. The results of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed that etiquette-based character education had a significant effect on all three variables of wisdom, academic hope, and prosocial behavior. A key implication of these findings is the importance of paying attention to character education in educational settings.
Amir Rastin Toroghi,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Recent decades have witnessed a decline in birth rates and a growing trend toward voluntary childlessness, phenomena reflected in emerging ethical theories such as antinatalism. This study critically analyzed one of the most prominent arguments in this domain—Bruce Blackshaw’s “Applying Pascal’s Wager to Procreation.” Inspired by Pascal’s Wager and McMahan’s Asymmetry Principle, Blackshaw argues that since a child may one day lose faith and face eternal torture, procreation is morally impermissible, regardless of the low probability of such an outcome. He concludes that moral responsibility requires individuals to avoid reproduction altogether, either through celibacy or sterilization. This study critiqued Blackshaw’s argument from three perspectives: (1) its implausible implications, such as generalizing to all moral decisions and disruption of everyday life; (2) foundational critiques by moral philosophers who reject asymmetry principle; and (3) incompatibility with theological foundations, particularly within the Islamic tradition, such as the neglect of key considerations including the moral responsibility of children, the educational role of parents, and the diverse interpretations of eternal damnation. From an Islamic perspective, procreation is not a hazard but rather part of the prophetic tradition, human nature, and the wise design of creation. Birth is seen as a gateway to development, choice, and proximity to God.
